As avid campers and outdoor enthusiasts with years of experience testing gear in the backcountry, we know camping splits into purists and modern adventurers. Purists shun electronics for a raw nature experience, while others seek a balanced escape from daily stresses—complete with nature's beauty and conveniences like solar-powered devices.
These tools enhance your trip without compromising the environment. Key benefits include:
Beyond camping, solar shines at home too. Check out 6 Advantages of Solar Panels You Probably Haven't Considered for more insights.
Here are our top picks, rigorously tested for performance, portability, and durability:
The Goal Zero Yeti 150 stands out as a premier portable solar generator. It outperforms gas models in silence and sustainability—see our comparison: Solar Generators vs. Fuel Generators: Which Is Best for You?
With 150Wh (14,000mAh) capacity, it features 12V, USB, and AC ports to charge almost anything. Pair with a compatible panel or wall outlet. Note: not waterproof.
For budget-friendly power, the RAVPower Portable Charger excels with its foldable design.
Three solar panels and a storage panel (9.5 x 6.0 inches each, 1-inch thick folded) are water- and mildew-resistant. Dual USB ports charge phones or tablets simultaneously.
Ultra-portable? Choose the PowerTraveler Powermonkey Extreme.
Thin, rugged, waterproof clamshell solar panel pairs with a pocketable battery pack featuring LCD charge display, USB, and 12V DC ports.
Powertraveller Powermonkey Extreme 5V and 12V Solar portable charger Buy now on Amazon
For versatile lighting, try MPowerd Luci Inflatable Lights.
Inflate to cover 15 sq ft, lasting 6-12 hours (bright, super bright, or strobe modes). Waterproof, submersible, with strap. Affordable at $10.98.
MPOWERD Luci Outdoor - Inflatable Solar Light Buy Now On Amazon $10.98
Prefer sturdy? The ErgaLogik Compact Lantern (palm-sized, hard case) unfolds for wide light coverage in low, high, or flash modes. USB rechargeable with USB output for device charging.
Bigfoot Outdoor Products Compact Solar Camping Lantern with USB PowerBank Great for Camping, Hiking and Go Bag - Best Camping Lantern - Best Solar Lantern - Best Emergency Light Buy Now On Amazon $12.95
The Suaoki Clover Lantern offers clover-shaped panels for broad or focused light (low, high, flash). Solar or USB charged.
SUAOKI Collapsible Clover Style 18 Led Brightest Tent Lantern Lighting Lights Lantern USB Rechargeable Battery or Solar Charge (Orange) Buy Now On Amazon $16.99
Stay informed with the Eton Scorpion II Digital Radio—NOAA alerts, AM/FM, flashlight, USB charging via solar or hand crank.
Eton Scorpion ll Rugged Handheld Emergency Weather Radio with Smartphone Charger, NSP101WXGR Buy Now On Amazon $38.00
Purists approve: Heat 5 gallons (or 3-gallon option) via sun for hot showers.
Advanced 5 Gallon Summer Shower Elements / Solar Shower Buy Now On Amazon $29.99
Cook evenly without smoke or fire watch. Tracks sun for all-day use; smaller version available.
Kickstarter hit: Vacuum-tube cooker for 2-person meals (bake, steam, boil, fry). Winter-ready; Pro package adds tray and case.
GoSun Sport:Easy, Delicious, Versatile Portable Solar Cooker (New 2018 Model) Buy Now On Amazon $249.00
Harness the sun you came for—charge, light, cook sustainably. For home ideas, see 12 Awesome Solar Powered Gadgets Every Home Should Use. Pair with essentials like our 7 Gift Ideas Under $100 for Campers and Hikers.
Do solar gadgets enhance or detract from camping? Share in the comments!
